One of our current guests who is also a professional photographer has just landed a job. Congratulations to Sam. He has been contacting agents since November and has found work in under two weeks from when he arrived in Antibes. The best part is that he is 18 years old, such a driven young man. Good luck to you Sam, what a pleasure to have met you.Here is a sneak peek at his photography. Enjoy.

Happy Valentines Day... So many awesome couples have met at the Grapevine. Two of which who have married. Any other couples out there that have met while checked in with us? Tag away folks.I had to add this corny poem...hope you enjoy it. ... See MoreSee Less

A huge congratulations to one of our departing guests....who just scored a permanent job as a Deckhand on a yacht similar to the one in this video. He joined us a couple of weeks ago and had no prior yachting experience. He gives hope to all the green crew.

Such a cute video of Antibes...this young lady brings you along on a tour of our great little town....this is for those of you who are on your way over...to start your new adventure. Have a great weekend !!!

This is really funny...but seriously...if you are coming into the yachting industry and your one job is to clean...then be really ducking good at it. I cannot tell you how many times there has been that stew who just got a job and throws her things into the dryer to wash her clothes. Cleaning out the soap from the filter was not fun at all, thank you very much. Stews and Stewards....pay attention, google the hell out of how to iron, wash clothes, serving food and wine...and how to do it all with a smile. You can thank me later. Wait...is that Sacha??? Hahaha ... See MoreSee Less

Ok people...I have been receiving tons of emails asking..."How long will it take me to find a job on a superyacht or mega yacht"?

How on earth would I know? I would love to sell you a dream, but the reality is that you need to ask yourself a few questions first. 1. Do I have enough motivation, drive, and willpower to jump through all of the hoops to find employment? It will not be handed to you simply because you have your tickets in place. It could take anywhere from 1 day to 10 moths. It all depends on...YOU.

2. Do I have transferable skills? Are you a chef, an engineer, watersports instructor? Do you love cleaning windows, toilets?

3. It takes work to find work, get organised before you arrive. You need to register with all the agencies and upload all your tickets (this is a time-consuming process so best to do it before you arrive). As Crew Agencies will not see you if you are not registered. CV pictures, make sure it is a professional picture and not a selfie. Bring some interview clothes, the basic khaki and white polo ok, but something that you would wear to a formal interview as well.

4. If your coming to stay at a crew house, show your best side, clean up after yourself so this way those around you would recommend you to work with them once they find work. Don't be that horrible roommate that everyone is trying to run from.

5. Kissing up DOES help...I am sorry but if you are sharing a house with other established yacht crew...best get off your arse and ask them if they like a cup of tea/coffee. I mean really you are stepping into the service industry, so embrace that amazing customer service skill that you talked up so much on your CV.I have witnessed established crew going back to their boats and calling up to have Cvs of specific crew members they have enjoyed living with while at the Grapevine.I cannot tell you how many times we have had events where the crew agents are actually washing up or pouring wine (for crew). At one event, one crew agent turned to me and actually said they would not recommend anyone in the room...I had to agree with them. Pay attention.

6. No offence...to anyone here....but you need to know what your getting into...so start asking questions, book your own accommodation and write your own CV. I appreciate all the families trying to help their loved ones to get organised for their first international adventure, but by the 3rd email...if you are not at least CC'd on your parent's email; then let's face it..your really not that into it. I cannot tell you how many times we have been to the airport to pick up a guest and we are actually holding up mum's name, embarrassing. I even had an email asking if I could arrange transport for their son to do some sightseeing, hmmmmmm. One father called me to yell at me as we were late for a pick up at the airport...his son was 30 years old, the father never actually gave his son the directions for the transfer, *&^%!!! One mother even called a captain to yell at him when her daughter was not asked to come back to work the next day. Word of advice?...take charge!!!

So basically it is up to you... Get organised, get motivated, hit the ground running, network and keep a clear head. I am a firm believer in that you will always get what you want, as long as you work hard for it. But it will take time.Good luck. ... See MoreSee Less

Personally, I feel that two years is not enough for this crew member's crime. Despite the $70 Million in payouts from the yacht owners.

The real question is... does anyone check if yacht crew have any previous criminal records, for every size vessel? Does your vessel have the appropriate radios or appropriate forms of communication on board, especially during a watch?Will yachts now have someone stay on board to police a zero-tolerance policy, for yacht crew returning home intoxicated?

We are looking for a female Cook/Stew for a private 35m motor yacht based in Monaco. The position is permanent and the boat is mainly used as a day boat, so it would really suit someone who already lives in the area. If you are interested or know someone who might be, send us an email to hannah.s@amandinechefs.com ... See MoreSee Less

Our January sale is not over yet! Why not come and join Hervé Messmer on his Spirits & Mixology course this Monday 29th January at our training centre in the heart of Antibes. Our PYA GUEST Introduction to Spirits & Mixology course is a great way to kick start your cocktail knowledge and give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver any cocktail!

1-day PYA GUEST Advanced Spirits & Mixology

Objective

· Know how to make 3 basic drinks + variations· Will understand the concept of Mixology· Will be able to be creative with ingredients· Will be able to draw up their own menu· Will be trained in speed and efficiency· Will have a good understanding of Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila and Whisky· Will know how to conduct a tasting· This course is tested by both practical and theory assessments and needs a 65% pas rate

Don’t miss out on our January sale, 10% off any of our courses! Why not come and do our 5 day PYA GUEST Advanced Service course starting on the 29th of January, this course covers the following modules with our PYA GUEST Advanced Head Trainer Kim Woodey

Advanced Service with two live lunches Table Setting and Decorations Floristry Cigars Spirits & Mixology Barista

For more information on this course or any of our other courses please contact training@abacus-march.com ... See MoreSee Less

This is why I love this industry (and the people within it) so much ... sometimes we can all have a laugh...

The following is a real life position’s vacant job advertised this week.... (the original author shall remain anonymous unless he claims credit here in the comments) enjoy reading....

“Junior Stewardess required ASAP.... to join shit hot boat full of awesome types. Needs to have all the pre-requiste quali's like STCW, awareness of stuff, consciousness of things, knowledge of banter. A year or so's experience would go down well, as would the ability to fit into a size 8. Not because we are appearance driven, (before you start climbing up on your fucking soap box), but because we are too tight to buy new uniform so you'd need to fit the previous girls clobber. Having said that it's probably stretchy. Loose moral conduct is not a requirement, but we're not prepared to say it's a bad thing either. If you have a penchant for dolling up on a friday and staggering home sometime sunday morning with lipstick on your teeth and your 27th iphone nowhere to be seen who are we to judge? No soppy couply types who spend half their day on the phone to their boyfriends. Also If you're fond of cats don't bother to apply. (Yacht currently lying in) Antigua. Start asap. Bring it.”.

Love it.....I’m super proud ...sometimes you need to say it like you see it. ... See MoreSee Less

Yacht CaptainHi everybody, I am Italian captain and looking for a job " Captain" in Motor Yacht Charter (10 years )or Private. I am Captain 500 Gt Yacht and have full certificate (STCW10),Chief mate 3000 gt. Certificate of competence for Radio Operators,SSO, Medical care, driver lıcense, Leader schip management,passenger ship, Italyan and Panama seamen book, European passportMy experience: more than 18 years In navigation with yachts from 20m to 60m. I am available and I can work every where and on any type of yacht.My email: capitanoalfonso@libero.itPhone:0039.345.24.12.538Tanks, Cap.Alfonso ... See MoreSee Less

TEMP CREW COOK/STEW- From the 23rd January to 1st March approx. 100 euro's per day, accommodation and food provided onboard. Based in Italy, looking for a crew cook/stew for delicious healthy food. You will be expected to cook for 6/7 crew for lunch, dinner and to prepare weekend food when the chef is away and help out in the interior. Please email chiefstewlotus@gmail.com. Thanks! ... See MoreSee Less

Well said Jen, I can't believe that I have to tell crew to shave and introduce them to a washing machine, let alone stop them putting washing up liquid in the conditioner slot..My chief stew opened up the dryer one morning and found it had plates and cutlery in it!!!!! Idiot deckhand thought it was the dishwasher ... See MoreSee Less

Rant: Please please please...before you decide to step into the world of yachting. Be sure to have some basic knowledge of how life really works. If anyone wants to add to this...please be my guest. Tag away people...

1. Be prepared to live in close quarters of others. Living and working with the same crew, day in and day out is not always easy. But be respectful and be conscientious of the space your sharing. Stay mindful.

2. Be grateful. You have a chef preparing meals and probably a stew cleaning up after you. When you miss your mouth and some crumbs or even whole pieces of food fall onto the ground or on the table...clean it up!!!!

You would not do that at your mother's house (ok maybe some would)...but don’t do it anywhere... really. Please do not do this at The Grapevine Crew House...I’m still stunned when I see adults who are looking for stew and deck work and they just walk away from their mess and then think they should be recommended for a cleaning position.

3. Take the bin out...do not keep adding rubbish to the bin if it is full and think it will somehow it will magically get to the dock or to a public bin on the road. You make rubbish? you take it out...pretty simple, right? OMG it’s not so difficult is it?

4. Hygiene - make sure you practice good hygiene. Start by washing your clothes (learn how to use a washing machine, empty your pockets), and for some wearing a good deodorant/antiperspirant goes a long way.

Wash your sheets. Did you know that 30-40,000 skin particles fall off of our bodies per hour. Every week, once a week, clean your sheets and towel!!!

5. Bad habits - let’s start with cigarettes...if your not going to bin your cigarette butts then I hope your eating them. As if you think you love working at Sea so much and you are flicking your butts onto the road or into the water...then you are just a hypocrite. I think we have all watched Finding Nemo...? No? Well..."All drains lead to the Sea!!!"

Know your limits - if you have a problem with alcohol or drugs...Do not bother coming. Change your ticket and check into rehab. Seriously, I have seen this now too many times. It is boring.

6. Don't be that weirdo.

7. It’s a small world- if your known as the girl who gets around and is proud of it, or the guy who peed in his bed because he was too drunk, or the girl who was resucistated after falling into the port after a night of drinking, or your the drunk sleepwalker out the window, if you took all your clothes off and ran around HOP store naked, if you ended up in hospital because you were so drunk you broke some bones (all true stories), if you put your self in stupid situations while looking for work...then remember that everyone talks and you will be forever remembered for your actions. Leave your reputation at home...start fresh.

8. Learn how to read and follow directions. Is anyone taking the time to read websites anymore? No...so much easier to send an email to ask a question instead of reading the website. Take the time to read directions, job descriptions, contracts, CVs and yes.. even house rules. Make this a habit before you look silly to people that you are trying to impress.

9. Social media use - clean up your Facebook postings. Having a drink in your hand in every photo...is probably not so impressive. As captains do look you up to see what you are advertising yourself as. Over 20 selfies in the past week? Narcissists should stay home...as your not going to give great customer service if you are trapped in the centre of your own universe.

10. Seriously learn some basic life skills before you come out here or it will take a long time before figure things out and go home broke. You are arriving into an instant network... impress those around you, be kind, courteous, helpful, and most of all...be responsible. ... See MoreSee Less

Pretty cool Q&A by Jared Watney...look & listen, and this may help you with your most of your questions about the yachting industry. Hope this helps before you begin your new adventure. Yachting is not all about sun and sea.

Don’t miss out on ITA Training's January sale, 10% off any of our courses! Why not come and do our 10-day PYA GUEST Advanced course with our advanced head trainer Kim Woodey.This is a fabulous course for anyone wanting to move into a Chief Stewardess role, with 5 days of intense Service training and two live lunches with guests. The remaining 4 days are divided between Advanced Housekeeping, Laundry and Valet and one day dedicated to Spirits & Mixology.On completion of the course you will walk away with 5 certificates.

For more information on this or any of our other courses please contact training@abacus-march.com

Need an ENG 1? Get your appointment now...before the season starts. ... See MoreSee Less

Yacht crew... do you need to renew your Seafarer Medical Certificate (known as ENG1) in the next few months?
When the influx of new crew arrives there is quite often a run on all the 5 local approve...

Tomorrow at 9am all through the Alpes Maritime, there will be emergency test sirens that will go off for 3 sequences of one minute with 41 seconds in between. Please alert your crew that it is a drill. The test sirens in ANTIBES are located in the center of the old town, at the town hall. ... See MoreSee Less

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Cruise ship experience and 12 years massage experience with different types of styles on land base. Looking for a junior stewardess position to start out as well. Hard working and spontaneous. Job Category: Junior StewardessRequired Certification: ENG1PDSDSTCW95Minimum Experience: 1 - 2 SeasonsBoat Preference: All Boat TypesMotor VesselLanguages Spoken: EnglishTeam / Couple: NoPosition Open

Welcome to Barkissimo classic yacht hotel United States of America, and to our range of Yacht ship jobs and careers. With our reputation for excellence and exclusivity, it’s only right that Barkissimo classic yacht hotel recruit the very best people to enjoy career opportunities working on our Barkissimo classic yacht hotel. Barkissimo classic yacht hotel […]